The deMello Group in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zürich, a world-leading group for the development of novel microfluidic technologies, is looking for a motivated PhD student in cutting-edge research in microfluidics and synthetic biology.

Project background

Living systems rely on continuous energy conversion to maintain vital functions, transforming external energy sources into biochemical units like ATP and NAD(P)H to power metabolic processes. One approach to understanding this complexity is to reconstruct a cell from scratch using a minimal set of components, i.e., to build a synthetic cell. In synthetic biology, micrometer-sized lipid vesicles can serve as artificial cells, providing a platform to reconstruct and manipulate essential biological functions. However, current methods to generate giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) face challenges such as size heterogeneity, inefficient membrane protein reconstitution, and limited compartmentalization. Overcoming these limitations is essential for engineering self-sustaining synthetic cells that can autonomously regulate energy metabolism and biochemical processes.

Our approach integrates microfluidic precision with synthetic biology to engineer synthetic cells that autonomously regulate energy metabolism and biochemical processes. This interdisciplinary research is conducted in collaboration between ETH Zürich (Dr. Stavrakis) and the University of Bern (Prof. von Ballmoos). The outcomes will pave the way for innovative applications in biotechnology, biosensing, and synthetic bioengineering, contributing fundamentally to the design and fabrication of programmable living systems.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop microfluidic platforms for reconstituting functional membrane proteins into lipid vesicles. The project combines microfluidics, super-resolution fluorescence imaging, and membrane protein biophysics to engineer synthetic cells that will autonomously regulate energy metabolism, biochemical synthesis, and nutrient transport, mimicking natural cellular homeostasis.

Key Responsibilities

Establish microfluidic platforms for controlled fabrication of monodisperse synthetic vesicles with tunable membrane properties
Develop microfluidic strategies for membrane protein reconstitution into synthetic vesicle membranes
Work closely with both the Zurich and Bern groups, including microfluidics setup and preparation of fluorescently labelled membrane proteins
Perform super-resolution microscopy of membrane proteins in the synthetic vesicles

The project is highly interdisciplinary, fostering close collaboration with biochemists and biophysicists, to accelerate the design and fabrication of programmable living systems.

Profile

The successful candidate should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biophysics, chemical or bio-engineering with first class grades
Basic experience in microfabrication and microfluidics, biophysics, cell biology will be beneficial
Fluent communication skills (written and presentation) in English are essential
The PhD candidate will join an excellent and highly ambitious teams at the forefront of research in the areas of microfluidics and synthetic biology

Workplace

We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

CV
Copies of all Bachelor and Master certificates
Transcripts
Letter of motivation

Further information about our group for the development of novel microfluidic technologies can be found on our website and on the von Ballmoos Lab website. Specific questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr Stavros Stavrakis, by email ([email protected]).

Please note that applications must submitted through the online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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PhD Position in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient Metabolism and Molecular Transport

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